Poor and disabled face council tax hikes in shake up to tackle deficit

Millions of low-income families face rising council tax bills from 2013 under plans being drawn up by councils.

Proposals emerging across England will see many people who are currently exempt from charges or have their costs subsidised losing support. Some will be hundreds of pounds worse off each year.

Manchester City Council, run by Labour, plans to charge poor families, who currently pay nothing, at least 15 per cent of the bills.

Conservative local authorities are considering similar schemes. Barnet Council in North London says that no one of working age is likely to continue to receive 100 per cent support under its new system. David Finch, deputy leader of Tory-run Essex County Council, said that the “changes . . . could have major implications for some of…